With cities across the world choking in exhaust, there's a special need for an electric bike affordable enough to tempt large numbers of motorists from their cars. For the less-athletic, elderly or for anyone who regularly faces long or hilly journeys, the ZAP Z-Bike could be the answer. The specially-made, low-stepthrough frame with 20" (406) wheels adjusts to fit a wide range of riders, and V-brakes provide power ful stopping from any speed. With 'Arc' handlebars and a dual-spring saddle, the riding poistion is comfortable and upright.
The heart of the Z-bike is the 22lb (9.1kg) ZAP Power System, which is also available separately to fit almost any bike or trike. It powers the rear wheel, and gives a maximum speed of 14mph (22.4km/h) and a range of up to 20 miles (32km), depending on terrain and how much you pedal. You can disengage the assist system at the flick of a switch. The charge time from the mains is five hours, or you can keep fit on the optional 'Exercise/Charging Stand' by recharging your batteries yourself, in as little as one hour. On some models, you can also switch the system to 'Regenerative Mode' to partially recharge your batteries as you roll downhill.
If that's not wild enough, how about the ZAPPY? This is an electric scooter with a fold-down steering column at the front, 'small enough to fit in a school locker, but fast enough to ZAP you across town'. To ride, you punt with your foot and/or engage the throttle for electric power up to 12mph (19km/h). The range is around 10 miles, and the machine comes complete with rear drum brake and integrated 110 volt charger. Recharging takes 4-5 hours, and the total weight is 16kg. Both Z-Bike and ZAPPY have the option of European-standard 220-volt charging.
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